Hunger Walk to mark 30 years of helping families in need

ATLANTA -- Thousands of people will join together to celebrate 30 years of helping families in need during the Hunger Walk/Run on March 9.

The money raised will help distribute more than 45 million pounds of food.

It's not too late to register. The Hunger Walk/Run starts at 2 p.m. in Turner Field's Green Lot. Gates open at noon.

The 30th annual event will raise awareness and funds to help those who struggle to feed themselves and their families.

The Hunger Walk/Run benefits ACFB and five other partner agencies: Episcopal Charities Foundation, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Lutheran Services of Georgia, Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and St. Vincent De Paul Society.

Last year's even raised nearly $650,000. In 30 years, more than $7 million has been raised.

According to Feeding America's latest "Map the Meal Gap Study" released in June 2013, thenumber of people needing emergency food assistance is still at a critical level with 20 percent of Georgians living in food insecure households. That's up slightly from the year prior.

In Fiscal Year 2012-2013, the Food Bank distributed more than 45 million pounds of food and grocery products compared to 37 million the prior year.

"The Hunger Walk/Run is one of our most important fundraisers each year," said Bill Bolling, founder and executive director of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. "We are working harder than ever along with our partners to meet the need for food assistance that still exists for many in our community."

Participants can sign up on the day of the event, but pre-registration is encouraged.

Parking is free. Participants are encouraged to park in the Turner Field Blue Lot to avoid having to cross the street.

Entertainment, activities, live music and stage show will run from Noon till 4:00.

No family pets are allowed due to Turner Field policies. Service dogs are welcome.